Multi directional intertrochanteric osteotomy for primary and secondary osteoarthritis--results after 15 to 29 years.

Between 1974 and 1987, 276 intertrochanteric osteotomies were performed in 217 patients. In 48 hips the osteotomy was done for idiopathic osteoarthritis. In 166 hips the osteoarthritis was secondary to acetabular dysplasia, in 23 to trauma, in 14 to slipped capital femoral epiphysis, in five to Legg-Calvé-Perthes' disease and in 20 to avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Good results were achieved in young females with mild osteoarthritis secondary to acetabular dysplasia, and in patients with posttraumatic osteoarthritis. All other indications showed a poorer long-term survival. Our study shows that acetabular dysplasia and posttraumatic arthritis remain valid indications for intertrochanteric osteotomy.

Open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists concerning the preferred treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus and the functional limitations of patients in whom avascular necrosis of the humeral head develops as a complication of this fracture. METHODS: We assessed the intermediate and long-term results for sixty patients with a three or four-part fracture of the proximal part of the humerus who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate. The Constant score and a visual analog score for pain were calculated, and radiographs of the proximal part of the humerus were evaluated. RESULTS: After an average of ten years of follow-up, fifty-two patients (87%) had a good or excellent result on the basis of the Constant score whereas eight patients (13%) had a poor result. Fifty-one patients (85%) were satisfied with the result at the time of the most recent examination. Twenty-two patients (37%) had development of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, and seventeen (77%) of these twenty-two patients had a good or excellent Constant score. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate yields good functional results in most patients. This option should be considered even for patients with fracture-dislocation patterns that are associated with a high risk for avascular necrosis of the humeral head, as this complication did not preclude a good result.

The Gore-Tex prosthetic ligament as a salvage procedure in deficient knees.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of prosthetic ligament replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with the Gore-Tex polytetrafluorethyene prosthesis (W.L. Gore and Co., Flagstaff, Ariz. ) in 52 patients (54 knees). All patients sustained multiple (failed) knee operations or had knees with gross instability. Twenty-eight (29 knees) of the 52 patients (54%) in whom the Goretex prosthesis was still in situ were available at a minimum follow-up of 5 years (mean 9 years, range 5-11 years). The mean age at examination was 39 years (range 30-57 years); there were 15 men and 13 women. The results of the procedure were compared with the results of the same patients at a mean follow-up of 3 years. Eighty-one percent of the patients of the whole group complained about pain. This was 78% for the patients with an ACL reconstruction and 75% for the patients with a PCL reconstruction. The Tegner activity score and the Lysholm knee score showed a statistically significant difference over time. The anterior instability pattern improved in only 43% of the knees and the posterior instability in 41% of the knees. The Lachman test showed also a significant difference over time. In all patients X-ray showed an increase in degenerative changes. In conclusion, the PTFE prosthetic ligament in the reconstruction of the ACL and the PCL in the (chronically) unstable knee seems to deteriorate over time.